Badgehouder

Badgehouder (Dutch for “badge holder”) is a term used to describe either a physical device that holds an identification badge or, in some contexts, the person responsible for managing badges within an organization. The word combines badge, borrowed from English, with houder, meaning holder or custodian. In security, events, and workplaces, a badgehouder device is used to display an ID and allow quick recognition or access control.

Physical badgeholders are common for displaying employee or visitor IDs, granting access to buildings, and indicating role or affiliation. They come in forms such as clear plastic sleeves with clips, lanyards, or retractable badge reels. Standard card sizes (CR80, 85.60 × 53.98 mm) are typically used. Materials include PVC, PET, polycarbonate, vinyl, and sometimes leather. Badgeholders can be single- or double-sided and may include privacy features or RFID-protective sleeves to safeguard sensitive information.

Badge custodian is another sense of the term in organizations: a person responsible for issuing, updating, and revoking badges, managing access levels, maintaining inventory, and ensuring privacy and security. This role involves adherence to procedures for issuance, expiration, revocation, and audit trails.

Digital contexts use the term less often; badges are usually managed via badge management systems or identity and access management software rather than physical holders. Nonetheless, in Dutch usage, badgehouder commonly refers to the physical holder or the responsible person within the organization.

See also: lanyard, badge reel, ID card, access control, card holder.